Publication

Title:

Multifluid Simulations of the Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability in a Weakly Ionised Plasma

Authors:

Jones, Aoife C.; Shadmehri, Mohsen; Downes, Turlough P., 2009

Abstract:

Multifluid simulations of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability were carried out in order to observe the effect of including Hall and ambipolar diffusion. We found that the initial growth of the instability is similar in each case, but the following non-linear regimes differ greatly. In the presence of Hall diffusion, the plasma experiences a magnetic dynamo, and the strength of the magnetic field is seen to grow steadily even after the instability reaches a maximum. In the presence of ambipolar diffusion, the magnetic field quickly decreases, most likely as a result of magnetic reconnection.